Labette Community College Nursing Program Review
Labette Community College (LCC), when it was founded in 1923, focused on preparing its graduates to transition to four-year colleges. Over the years, in accordance with the needs of the community, it has changed its focus to providing technical and work-force training programs. LCC offers a variety of programs in business, allied health, criminal justice, and many other fields.
For prospective nurses, LCC has a nursing program with two different levels. LCC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools; the nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) and approved by the Kansas State Board of Nursing.
Nursing Program – Level One (Practical Nursing)
All prospective nurses enter LCC’s nursing program at Level One. This level, which takes two semesters to complete, leads to a practical nursing certificate. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and enter the nursing field as Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN). Alternatively, they can progress to Level Two of the nursing program and work toward licensure as Registered Nurses (RN). The Level One Nursing program has four prerequisite classes: applied math or college algebra, anatomy and physiology, general psychology, and English composition. These four classes must be completed prior to starting the two-semester nursing course sequence. In addition, a student must provide proof of certification as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA). Over the two semesters of the Level One Nursing program, a student will earn thirty-one credits. The Level One Nursing Program begins in the fall semester.
Nursing Program – Level Two (Associate Degree Nursing)
After completing the Level One Nursing Program, a student may transition directly into the Level Two Nursing Program, which leads to an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (AAS in Nursing) degree. This takes two semesters to earn, in addition to the two semesters of the Level One Nursing Program. Over the course of these two semesters, students earn a total of twenty-seven credits. The curriculum includes courses in microbiology, English composition II, sociology, and nursing. After completing the curriculum, a graduate may take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). At this point, he can either begin working as an RN or, through the Kansas Statewide Nursing Articulation Plan, he can complete a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree at a four-year college in Kansas.
Nursing Program – Level Two – LPN Articulation
Although most students transition directly from the Level One Nursing program to the Level Two Nursing program, LCC does provide a pathway for LPNs to return to school and complete an AAS in Nursing degree. An LPN must complete a one-credit bridge course before enrolling in the Level Two nursing coursework. She can complete the Level Two Nursing program in just two semesters, alongside the traditional Level Two students.
Certified Nurse Assistant Course
As part of its Community Services division, LCC offers a CNA course. The course is available several times a semester, in a variety of formats. Some courses are offered partly online, other courses are offered on LCC’s campus in Parsons, and other courses are offered in the surrounding area. All CNA courses have a required clinical component. After completing the course, a graduate may sit for the CNA exam offered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. LCC also offers a brief CNA refresher course for CNAs who wish to brush up their skills after being out of the workforce.
Contact:
Labette Community College
200 S. 14th Street,
Parsons, KS 67357
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